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Head-to-head · sportwatch

Coros Pace 3 vs Suunto Race

Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) and Suunto Race (2023, listed at $449) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Leads on raw specs: Coros Pace 3(3–2)
Coros Pace 3
sportwatch

Coros Pace 3

Ultralight runner's bargain — dual-frequency GPS at 30g, 24-day battery, EvoLab analytics.

$229list price
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Suunto Race
sportwatch

Suunto Race

Finnish-built dual-frequency GPS with offline maps — rotating crown UI feels great.

$449list price
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Coros Pace 3 wins on battery life (24 days vs 12 days), weight (30 g vs 69 g) and price ($229 vs $449); Suunto Race wins on tracked features (5 vs 2) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).

Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros Pace 3 leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Coros Pace 3 and Suunto Race specifications
SpecCoros Pace 3Suunto Race
Battery (rated)24 days12 days
Weight30 g69 g
List price$229$449
Water rating5ATM10ATM
Tracked features25
Case size42 mm49 mm
DisplayMIPAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunning and multisport and triathlonoutdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running
Released20232023

Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.

Feature overlap

Both have (1)

  • built-in GPS

Only Coros Pace 3 (1)

  • on-device music

Only Suunto Race (4)

  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • AMOLED display
  • offline maps
  • swim tracking

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Coros Pace 3 if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $220 less.
  • You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 12 days.
  • You want a lighter watch: 30 g vs 69 g.
  • You need on-device music, which the Suunto Race does not list.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Suunto Race only works with Android.

Skip it if…

  • • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.

Pick the Suunto Race if…

  • You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), AMOLED display, offline maps and swim tracking, which the Coros Pace 3 does not list.
  • Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Coros Pace 3 is not.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros Pace 3 only works with Android.
  • You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
  • You want a bright AMOLED screen.

Skip it if…

  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
  • • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 69 g.

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Coros Pace 3 or the Suunto Race?

The Coros Pace 3 has the longer rated battery life: about 24 days per charge against 12 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Coros Pace 3 or the Suunto Race?

The Coros Pace 3 has the lower list price: $229 against $449 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Coros Pace 3 and Suunto Race work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.

Which is better for swimming, the Coros Pace 3 or the Suunto Race?

Coros Pace 3: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Suunto Race: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.

Not sure either is right for you?

Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.

Take the free quiz